Mertesacker is 'one of best in Europe' says Germany team-mate Schweinsteiger ahead of Bayern's trip to Emirates

Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is ‘one of the best centre-backs in Europe’.

The German arrived in England in the summer of 2011 with a reputation as one of his country’s finest players.

However, not until this season have Arsenal fans seen the best of Mertesacker and Germany team-mate Schweinsteiger – whose Bayern side face the Gunners in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday – has hailed the impact of the giant stopper.

Praise: Arsenal's Per Mertesacker (right) has been hailed as one of the best defenders in Europe

Respect: Bastian Schweinsteiger says Mertesacker has been key for Arsenal this season

‘Per has made them one of the most defensively solid teams in England – and they look to have addressed their problems,’ the Bayern midfielder told the Sunday Mirror.

‘It was always going to take Per time to adjust to a new league.

'But now we see him for what he is which is one of the best central defenders in Europe with fantastic positional awareness and real leadership qualities.’

And, ahead of their European showdown, Schweinsteiger added: ‘Arsenal have led the Premier League in England for a lot of this season – so we are aware it will be a very big test.

‘We got a very good result in London last season (won 3-1) – but I think Arsenal are much improved now.

'We want to retain the Champions League – and believe that another positive result in London is very possible if we play at the level we are capable of.’

Team-mates: Mertesacker (No.17) and Schweinsteiger (front row, far right) have played together for Germany